Compilations and samplers from record labels and such *should* be really great ways of finding new artists in theory. But it's strange, I almost never end up listening to compilations or samplers. I think maybe some of it is because all those artists and recording levels all over the place is a little stressful and overwhelming, and I also think it's because I usually end up focusing on LPs (or EPs or singles) from just one artist at a time. Even splits are supposed to be good for getting more bands out there in the same manner, but there again, it's SO rare that I like both bands on a split.